Mommy (2014)

Mommy: Directed by Xavier Dolan. With Anne Dorval, Suzanne Clément, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Patrick Huard. A widowed single mother, raising her violent son alone, finds new hope when a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household.

“In a Montreal suburb, a single mother with financial and employment difficulties reunites with her violent teenage son who is being released from a detention centre. More chaos ensues.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt would be very tempting to call this film a u0026quot;kitchen sink dramau0026quot;. There are many explosive scenes which are cathartic. Most films would have only a few such scenes, maybe only one at the climactic finale. While the catharsis might seem too much, every one of those scenes works well because of the great talent of director Xavier Dolan and his equally talented cast.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThere are thankfully lighter scenes that show the love in the dysfunctional family and their ability to have fun especially as they are joined by a mysterious neighbour across the street, Kyla, who seems to have her own troubles. Her troubles seem lessened as she bonds with the unusual mother-son duo. Kylau0026#39;s situation seems a bit too mysterious at times. As a subplot, it could have used a few hints to tap viewers further into the reasons why she prefers the family across the street to her own.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe filmu0026#39;s greatest strengths are two scenes near the end. One is the perfectly executed climactic scene. The other is the one that follows – a very melancholy scene of transition with which most viewers could sadly identify.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs mentioned, Dolan has directed a superb cast. As the troubled teenager, Antoine Olivier Pilon has the perfect balance of rage and vulnerability. As the neighbour Kyla, Suzanne Clément is very believable as someone facing change and loosening up especially when she has fits of uncontrollable laughter. As the mother, Anne Dorval gives Dolan another superb performance as she did with u0026quot;I Killed My Motheru0026quot; (2009). Her range in the final two pivotal scenes display true brilliance. – dbamateurcriticu003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRATING: 9/10u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Performance by Anne Dorval”